Jim Coughlin
@jimcoughlin.remotivated.com
Founder @ Remotivated.com
Identifying & Celebrating the best remote-first companies to help build a future that works for everyone.
Identifying & Celebrating the best remote-first companies to help build a future that works for everyone.
Disappeared for a month. Got married in Ireland. Took my first real break since starting Remotivated.
By “real break” I mean:
didn't even check if the wifi was good
actually took full weekends off
deleted socials
was present at my own wedding (novel idea)
By “real break” I mean:
didn't even check if the wifi was good
actually took full weekends off
deleted socials
was present at my own wedding (novel idea)
July 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Disappeared for a month. Got married in Ireland. Took my first real break since starting Remotivated.
By “real break” I mean:
didn't even check if the wifi was good
actually took full weekends off
deleted socials
was present at my own wedding (novel idea)
By “real break” I mean:
didn't even check if the wifi was good
actually took full weekends off
deleted socials
was present at my own wedding (novel idea)
Ping
Them: “hi”
You: fight-or-flight sequence initiated…
Slack’s own etiquette guide spells it out: “Never send a direct message that just says ‘hey’ or ‘hello.’”
Context-free greetings from managers or people leaders spike anxiety and make us imagine the worst.
Them: “hi”
You: fight-or-flight sequence initiated…
Slack’s own etiquette guide spells it out: “Never send a direct message that just says ‘hey’ or ‘hello.’”
Context-free greetings from managers or people leaders spike anxiety and make us imagine the worst.
May 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Ping
Them: “hi”
You: fight-or-flight sequence initiated…
Slack’s own etiquette guide spells it out: “Never send a direct message that just says ‘hey’ or ‘hello.’”
Context-free greetings from managers or people leaders spike anxiety and make us imagine the worst.
Them: “hi”
You: fight-or-flight sequence initiated…
Slack’s own etiquette guide spells it out: “Never send a direct message that just says ‘hey’ or ‘hello.’”
Context-free greetings from managers or people leaders spike anxiety and make us imagine the worst.
Unsolicited webinar invites are not cold outreach. This would be like if junk mail companies just sent an envelope of glitter, there is only one possible response.
May 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Unsolicited webinar invites are not cold outreach. This would be like if junk mail companies just sent an envelope of glitter, there is only one possible response.
PSA: If you don't love the idea of your DNA being sold at auction, you can log into 23andme - Settings - 23andme Data and permanently delete your data.
March 24, 2025 at 3:48 PM
PSA: If you don't love the idea of your DNA being sold at auction, you can log into 23andme - Settings - 23andme Data and permanently delete your data.
Remote Communication Pet Peeve: The Dreaded "Hi" Message
"Hi"
...
[3 minutes later]
"Do you have a minute?"
...
[20 minutes later]
"Sure, what do you need?"
So much time wasted. It's not rude to get straight to the point—it's transparent and efficient!
"Hi"
...
[3 minutes later]
"Do you have a minute?"
...
[20 minutes later]
"Sure, what do you need?"
So much time wasted. It's not rude to get straight to the point—it's transparent and efficient!
March 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Remote Communication Pet Peeve: The Dreaded "Hi" Message
"Hi"
...
[3 minutes later]
"Do you have a minute?"
...
[20 minutes later]
"Sure, what do you need?"
So much time wasted. It's not rude to get straight to the point—it's transparent and efficient!
"Hi"
...
[3 minutes later]
"Do you have a minute?"
...
[20 minutes later]
"Sure, what do you need?"
So much time wasted. It's not rude to get straight to the point—it's transparent and efficient!
🎉 It's Employee Appreciation Day TODAY and no, you can't just ask your team to appreciate each other! Gratitude cannot be delegated.
If you're a leader who hasn't planned anything yet, don't panic. Here are three things you can do right now that actually matter:
If you're a leader who hasn't planned anything yet, don't panic. Here are three things you can do right now that actually matter:
March 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
🎉 It's Employee Appreciation Day TODAY and no, you can't just ask your team to appreciate each other! Gratitude cannot be delegated.
If you're a leader who hasn't planned anything yet, don't panic. Here are three things you can do right now that actually matter:
If you're a leader who hasn't planned anything yet, don't panic. Here are three things you can do right now that actually matter:
California's forcing state employees back to offices 4 days/week with the same tired narrative: "collaboration improves, innovation thrives." 🙄
That's the same low-effort spin we've heard from Dell, JPMorgan, and "DOGE." Different letterheads, identical thinking.
That's the same low-effort spin we've heard from Dell, JPMorgan, and "DOGE." Different letterheads, identical thinking.
March 5, 2025 at 8:55 PM
California's forcing state employees back to offices 4 days/week with the same tired narrative: "collaboration improves, innovation thrives." 🙄
That's the same low-effort spin we've heard from Dell, JPMorgan, and "DOGE." Different letterheads, identical thinking.
That's the same low-effort spin we've heard from Dell, JPMorgan, and "DOGE." Different letterheads, identical thinking.
Companies ignoring remote work are fighting against the free market itself.
This isn't one of my "hot takes"—it's basic economics. 📊
Only 10% of job postings are remote, yet they attract 40% of all applications.
The labor market largely follows the same principles as any other.
This isn't one of my "hot takes"—it's basic economics. 📊
Only 10% of job postings are remote, yet they attract 40% of all applications.
The labor market largely follows the same principles as any other.
February 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Companies ignoring remote work are fighting against the free market itself.
This isn't one of my "hot takes"—it's basic economics. 📊
Only 10% of job postings are remote, yet they attract 40% of all applications.
The labor market largely follows the same principles as any other.
This isn't one of my "hot takes"—it's basic economics. 📊
Only 10% of job postings are remote, yet they attract 40% of all applications.
The labor market largely follows the same principles as any other.
⏰ Employee Appreciation Day is just 2 weeks away (Friday, March 7, 2025)! Do you already know what you're doing for your team?
www.remotivated.com/resources/re...
www.remotivated.com/resources/re...
15 Employee Appreciation Day Ideas for Remote Teams in 2025
Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day 2025 with 15 creative ideas to recognize your remote team and make appreciation a part of your culture.
www.remotivated.com
February 21, 2025 at 4:58 PM
⏰ Employee Appreciation Day is just 2 weeks away (Friday, March 7, 2025)! Do you already know what you're doing for your team?
www.remotivated.com/resources/re...
www.remotivated.com/resources/re...
Roamr launched on PH today. They allow you to stay with a host instead of at a hotel when traveling for work. Both the guest and the host get paid AND your company saves money. If you want to support a great remote team, please go throw them an upvote!
www.producthunt.com/posts/roamr-...
www.producthunt.com/posts/roamr-...
Roamr for Friends - Get paid to stay with friends on work trips | Product Hunt
Roamr For Friends by Roamr enables employees to earn income for saving their company money on travel. We're sick of old corporate travel processes & experiences. The way we work & live has changed. It...
www.producthunt.com
February 12, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Roamr launched on PH today. They allow you to stay with a host instead of at a hotel when traveling for work. Both the guest and the host get paid AND your company saves money. If you want to support a great remote team, please go throw them an upvote!
www.producthunt.com/posts/roamr-...
www.producthunt.com/posts/roamr-...
Me getting ready to reply with peer-reviewed research every time someone posts 'remote work is dead' 🤭 📚
February 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Me getting ready to reply with peer-reviewed research every time someone posts 'remote work is dead' 🤭 📚
The rebranding of layoffs needs to stop. Firing 5% of your workforce in one day (by email...) is a layoff and a cowardly one.
Performance based firing should be a constant process, not an annual purge. Branding people you're laying off as "low performers" is an unnecessary and cruel PR stunt.
Performance based firing should be a constant process, not an annual purge. Branding people you're laying off as "low performers" is an unnecessary and cruel PR stunt.
February 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The rebranding of layoffs needs to stop. Firing 5% of your workforce in one day (by email...) is a layoff and a cowardly one.
Performance based firing should be a constant process, not an annual purge. Branding people you're laying off as "low performers" is an unnecessary and cruel PR stunt.
Performance based firing should be a constant process, not an annual purge. Branding people you're laying off as "low performers" is an unnecessary and cruel PR stunt.
They said it couldn't be done. They said that the magic of the office water cooler could not be replicated in a remote setting. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴.
"So... seen any good squirrels lately?"
Have a better caption? 👇
"So... seen any good squirrels lately?"
Have a better caption? 👇
February 7, 2025 at 6:49 PM
They said it couldn't be done. They said that the magic of the office water cooler could not be replicated in a remote setting. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴.
"So... seen any good squirrels lately?"
Have a better caption? 👇
"So... seen any good squirrels lately?"
Have a better caption? 👇
Companies love to brag about being customer-obsessed... But many treat employee experience as an afterthought. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.
Employees treated with empathy have greater capacity to show empathy
Teams that feel heard are better at listening to customers
Employees treated with empathy have greater capacity to show empathy
Teams that feel heard are better at listening to customers
February 5, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Companies love to brag about being customer-obsessed... But many treat employee experience as an afterthought. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.
Employees treated with empathy have greater capacity to show empathy
Teams that feel heard are better at listening to customers
Employees treated with empathy have greater capacity to show empathy
Teams that feel heard are better at listening to customers
One visa to rule them all, and in a co-working space bind them 🧙♂️💻
New Zealand has joined the fellowship of countries offering remote work visas!
Visitors can now stay up to 90 days while working remotely for an overseas employer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
See you in The Shire?
New Zealand has joined the fellowship of countries offering remote work visas!
Visitors can now stay up to 90 days while working remotely for an overseas employer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
See you in The Shire?
January 31, 2025 at 4:07 PM
One visa to rule them all, and in a co-working space bind them 🧙♂️💻
New Zealand has joined the fellowship of countries offering remote work visas!
Visitors can now stay up to 90 days while working remotely for an overseas employer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
See you in The Shire?
New Zealand has joined the fellowship of countries offering remote work visas!
Visitors can now stay up to 90 days while working remotely for an overseas employer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
See you in The Shire?
Businesses seem to be assuming that AI is going to fix their talent problems. That's exactly why the talent gap is getting even wider.
AI is not easy to implement. Just scroll through your Facebook feed or spot the auto-commenters on LinkedIn.
Top talent is more important than ever.
AI is not easy to implement. Just scroll through your Facebook feed or spot the auto-commenters on LinkedIn.
Top talent is more important than ever.
January 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Businesses seem to be assuming that AI is going to fix their talent problems. That's exactly why the talent gap is getting even wider.
AI is not easy to implement. Just scroll through your Facebook feed or spot the auto-commenters on LinkedIn.
Top talent is more important than ever.
AI is not easy to implement. Just scroll through your Facebook feed or spot the auto-commenters on LinkedIn.
Top talent is more important than ever.
🔍 New research challenges remote work myths: Those 'awkward' Zoom moments with kids and pets? They actually help forge deeper workplace bonds than traditional office interactions. See how virtual windows into our real lives are transforming workplace relationships
Remote Teams May Actually Forge Deeper Bonds - Insights from Dr. Beth Schinoff
Research reveals remote work builds stronger workplace bonds than office environments. Explore insights from Remotivated's Jim Coughlin and Dr. Beth Schinoff.
www.remotivated.com
January 13, 2025 at 5:54 PM
🔍 New research challenges remote work myths: Those 'awkward' Zoom moments with kids and pets? They actually help forge deeper workplace bonds than traditional office interactions. See how virtual windows into our real lives are transforming workplace relationships
Company "families" demand loyalty while real families give it freely. The best remote cultures aren't built on making work the center of employees' universe - they're built on empowering people to have rich, fulfilling lives both in and outside of work.
December 18, 2024 at 7:26 PM
Company "families" demand loyalty while real families give it freely. The best remote cultures aren't built on making work the center of employees' universe - they're built on empowering people to have rich, fulfilling lives both in and outside of work.
Reposted by Jim Coughlin
Apparently, Elon Musk never learned "sunk cost fallacy."
If it's not the cost of the lease, it's the anxiety of seeing empty rows of desks: 1 in 3 companies said that lease agreements are an anchoring force behind their #RTO mandates.
Thanks Jane Thier at @fortune.com
fortune.com/2024/12/17/r...
If it's not the cost of the lease, it's the anxiety of seeing empty rows of desks: 1 in 3 companies said that lease agreements are an anchoring force behind their #RTO mandates.
Thanks Jane Thier at @fortune.com
fortune.com/2024/12/17/r...
Like Elon Musk, 1 in 3 bosses admit they are pushing RTO because they're so upset about wasting money on all those empty desks
One in ten of those firms admitted that they plan to scrap the mandates entirely after their leases expire.
fortune.com
December 17, 2024 at 6:55 PM
Apparently, Elon Musk never learned "sunk cost fallacy."
If it's not the cost of the lease, it's the anxiety of seeing empty rows of desks: 1 in 3 companies said that lease agreements are an anchoring force behind their #RTO mandates.
Thanks Jane Thier at @fortune.com
fortune.com/2024/12/17/r...
If it's not the cost of the lease, it's the anxiety of seeing empty rows of desks: 1 in 3 companies said that lease agreements are an anchoring force behind their #RTO mandates.
Thanks Jane Thier at @fortune.com
fortune.com/2024/12/17/r...
Meeting ends. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴* Check Slack. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴* Answer email. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴* Try to remember what you were doing. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴*
Here's what that's doing to our brains:
Here's what that's doing to our brains:
December 16, 2024 at 3:12 PM
Meeting ends. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴* Check Slack. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴* Answer email. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴* Try to remember what you were doing. *𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴*
Here's what that's doing to our brains:
Here's what that's doing to our brains:
🤔 96% of companies believe employer brand and reputation can positively or negatively impact revenue, yet only 44% monitor that impact. Why?
Companies meticulously monitor everything else that can impact revenue. Maybe they don't want to know the answer? Maybe they just don't know how?
Companies meticulously monitor everything else that can impact revenue. Maybe they don't want to know the answer? Maybe they just don't know how?
December 10, 2024 at 5:16 PM
🤔 96% of companies believe employer brand and reputation can positively or negatively impact revenue, yet only 44% monitor that impact. Why?
Companies meticulously monitor everything else that can impact revenue. Maybe they don't want to know the answer? Maybe they just don't know how?
Companies meticulously monitor everything else that can impact revenue. Maybe they don't want to know the answer? Maybe they just don't know how?
The best way to recruit a team is to draw a commute sized circle around one city and recruit only from there. That's why they're called the BOSTON Celtics.
Oh wait... the Celtics roster currently has players from:
-All over America (except Boston)
-Canada
-Dominican Republic
-Latvia
-Portugal
Oh wait... the Celtics roster currently has players from:
-All over America (except Boston)
-Canada
-Dominican Republic
-Latvia
-Portugal
December 9, 2024 at 8:10 PM
The best way to recruit a team is to draw a commute sized circle around one city and recruit only from there. That's why they're called the BOSTON Celtics.
Oh wait... the Celtics roster currently has players from:
-All over America (except Boston)
-Canada
-Dominican Republic
-Latvia
-Portugal
Oh wait... the Celtics roster currently has players from:
-All over America (except Boston)
-Canada
-Dominican Republic
-Latvia
-Portugal
Them: "I don't like WFH. Tried it during in 2020."
Me: "Huh. Was there anything else happening at the time that may have impacted your experience at all?" 🤔
The pandemic lockdown wasn't remote work. It was house arrest with a laptop.
Me: "Huh. Was there anything else happening at the time that may have impacted your experience at all?" 🤔
The pandemic lockdown wasn't remote work. It was house arrest with a laptop.
December 5, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Them: "I don't like WFH. Tried it during in 2020."
Me: "Huh. Was there anything else happening at the time that may have impacted your experience at all?" 🤔
The pandemic lockdown wasn't remote work. It was house arrest with a laptop.
Me: "Huh. Was there anything else happening at the time that may have impacted your experience at all?" 🤔
The pandemic lockdown wasn't remote work. It was house arrest with a laptop.
📊 Most studies about remote & hybrid work share the same fundamental problem.
They don't differentiate between intentionally remote-first companies and organizations that just happen to let people work from home.
They don't differentiate between intentionally remote-first companies and organizations that just happen to let people work from home.
December 4, 2024 at 4:47 PM
📊 Most studies about remote & hybrid work share the same fundamental problem.
They don't differentiate between intentionally remote-first companies and organizations that just happen to let people work from home.
They don't differentiate between intentionally remote-first companies and organizations that just happen to let people work from home.
POV: When you hop on the Zoom call from your perfectly curated home office and see the other person is in a cubicle. Kidding, but you know... not really.
#remotework #meme
#remotework #meme
December 2, 2024 at 5:43 PM
POV: When you hop on the Zoom call from your perfectly curated home office and see the other person is in a cubicle. Kidding, but you know... not really.
#remotework #meme
#remotework #meme